Contents

This map will give you a basic idea of what to look for if you are unsure what format/standard your TV signal is in.

1 I want to run my PVR backend server on...

You can run the PVR backend server on one of your existing Kodi installs, or on its own and connect over your local network. Just use the tables below and click on the PVR backend software which looks to best fit your needs.

1.1 Android

Sorry but there are not yet any generically compatible PVR backend software applications that runs natively on Android and have a PVR client addon for Kodi. Android is currently only added here on this page because requests and enquirers about PVR backends for Android compatible with Kodi is a frequently asked question.

If you want to get access to Live TV, EPG, and the other PVR features in Kodi running on Android today then you currently need to use an IPTV client or use a workaround such as running your PVR backend on a other a computer or device on your local network to stream the video to Kodi running on Android, (like example on a Raspberry Pi)

1.2 Linux (including Raspberry Pi)

1.2.1 Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi series is technically just embedded Linux platforms, but their low price and very capable hardware make it almost perfect as PVR backend for Kodi. In addition to this, since a lot of people are using Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pi 2 as PVR backends, it makes it much easier for the Kodi community to streamline setup guides and provide help to use Raspberry Pi as a PVR backend due to most of the hardware being the same for everyone. For comp ability and links to these guides please see the Linux matrix above and the community forums.

Like every PVR backend, the server needs to receive the live signal from a receiver. A typical TV-tuner USB-stick will do, but be aware that such a USB-stick takes its power supply via the USB-interface. It might be required to put a USB-hub with independent power-supply between the Raspberry Pi and the TV-tuner USB-stick. Make sure that the TV-tuner USB-stick you choose works with both Linux OS on the Raspberry Pi hardware. Much more information can be found at http://linuxtv.org, including firmware downloads for many sticks. Alternatively, you may want to check the directory /lib/firmware on the R-Pi to list the firmware already installed.

/var/log/dmesg and .kodi/temp/kodi.log are files to check if the TV signal is not available.